Fuel Mind & Body: Green Adaptogen Smoothie
Published
As summer begins, June presents a natural opportunity to reset and support whole-person wellness, with longer days, fresh seasonal produce, and more time spent outdoors. It’s also Men’s Health Month and Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, making it an ideal time to focus on proactive self-care.
Nutrition is a key part of that foundation. This month’s featured recipe is a simple, nourishing smoothie that blends greens, healthy fats, and adaptogenic herbs to help support cognitive health and manage stress.
A standout ingredient is ashwagandha, an adaptogenic herb used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. Studies suggest ashwagandha may support male fertility and increase testosterone levels1. It also contains antioxidant compounds, such as withanolide A (WA), that may help protect the brain from oxidative stress and support cognitive function2. While more research is needed, these early findings are promising for long-term brain and hormonal health.
Try this refreshing, nutrient-dense smoothie that blends adaptogens, leafy greens, and a tropical touch of pineapple:
Green Adaptogen Smoothie
Ingredients
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1 whole ripe banana, peeled and frozen
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1 handful baby spinach
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1½ cups unsweetened nut milk (e.g., almond)
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⅓ cup unsweetened plain yogurt*
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½ cup pineapple (fresh or frozen)
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½ - 1 tsp ashwagandha powder
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½ tsp maca powder
Instructions
Add all the ingredients to a high-powered blender and blend until smooth and creamy. Pour into a glass and enjoy!
You can find ashwagandha, maca, and other adaptogenic supplements in our online Natural Medicine Shop, curated by our team of integrative health professionals.
References
1. Lopresti, A. L., Smith, S. J., Malvi, H., & Kodgule, R. (2019). An investigation into the stress-relieving and pharmacological actions of an ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Medicine, 98(37), e17186. https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000017186
2. Choudhary, D., Bhattacharyya, S., & Bose, S. (2017). Efficacy and safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root extract in improving memory and cognitive functions. Journal of Dietary Supplements, 14(6), 599–612. https://doi.org/10.1080/19390211.2017.1284970
